Climate change

Question 1

What is the atmoshpere?

Answer 1

• A protective layer of gases that surrounds the Earth which acts to keep in the suns heat energy and maintain the temperature of the Earth

Question 2

How does the atmoshpere work?

Answer 2

• Suns energy is emitted towards the Earth in the form of short wavelength radiation
• Some energy is absorbed by Earth but most is re-emitted or reflected back into space in the form of longer wavelength radiation
• Some of the re-emitted radiation makes it to space but most is absorbed by particles of gas in the atmosphere
• Particles of gas re-emit the energy in random directions. This will then go and be re-absorbed by other gas particles
• Energy will stay in the atmosphere, keeping the Earth warm and at a constant temperature
• These gases are known as the greenhouse gases and this effect is called the geenhouse effect

Question 3

Explain global warming

Answer 3

• Due to humans producing so many greenhouse gases, their concentration in our atmosphere has increased
• This means that more heat is kept in by the atmosphere, meaning that the Earth’s overall temperature is increasing

Question 4

What are the reasons of rising CO2 levels?

Answer 4

• Burning fossil fuels
• Cutting down trees (deforestation): can no longer photosynthesis, trapped CO2 is released

Question 5

What are the reasons of rising methane levels?

Answer 5

• Farm animals produce methane during digestions
• Methan is released when decomposers break down waste in anaerobic conditions

Question 6

What is climate change?

Answer 6

• The long-term effects on global weather patterns due to global warming

Question 7

What are some effects of climate change?

Answer 7

• More common and severe natural disasters (hurricanes, floods)
• Rising sea levels (ice caps are melting, as water heats up it expands)
• Animals won’t be able to adapt or migrate fast enough: decrease in biodiversity